Spline lubrication apparatus for lubricating a spline

ABSTRACT

A spline lubrication apparatus is disclosed for lubricating a spline of a pump drive. The apparatus includes a housing and a rotatable spline which is disposed within the housing. The spline includes a shaft having a plurality of longitudinally extending splines. A gear is rotatably supported within the housing and includes a splined bore for the rotatable reception therein of the rotatable spline. An adapter is secured to the housing and defines a cavity for the rotatable reception therein of the splines and splined bore. A plurality of pockets are in fluid communication with the cavity such that when the splines and splined bore are rotating within the cavity, the flow of the lubricant within the cavity around the splines and splined bore is interrupted by the pockets. The arrangement is such that the flow of lubricant collects within the pockets and cascades onto the splines and splined bore for enhancing the lubrication thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of patent applicationU.S. Ser. No. 10/601,829 filed Jun. 23, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No.7,152,711. All the disclosure of the aforementioned pending applicationSer. No. 10/601,829 is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a spline lubrication apparatus forlubricating a spline. More particularly, the present invention relatesto a spline lubrication apparatus for lubricating a spline of a pumpdrive.

2. Background Information

Spline wear is a very big factor when working with any large engine. Thereason behind this is because internal combustion engines are ignited bycompression. When the engine fires, there is a very strong pulse ofengine rotation torque, as a piston approaches Bottom Dead Center (BDC).The inertia of the rotating parts must drive the piston back up andcreate a compression for the next cycle. As the inertia from therotating parts start driving the engine, an anti-engine torque isapplied. For a split second between engine and anti-engine torque, allcomponents are in a neutral, no power state. During this time allbushings are free to, and do, move. With a dry spline the combination ofthis movement and torque in both directions causes excessive, prematurewear. Such wear is prevented by introducing oil to the spline area. Manymanufacturers use several different methods of oiling the spline. Most,if not all of these include a remote oil supply and/or a pump to get oilto a sufficient level in the spline area.

According to the present invention which includes a modularsplit-housing design, the wet spline feature is cast into the housing.As the gears spin, oil is distributed throughout the box. The cast portsare strategically placed to catch the maximum amount of oil and directit to the rotating spline. Shielded bearings are used to restrict oilflow back into the sump of the gear box. This causes the oil to back upand fill the spline cavity. With oil being retained in the cavity thiscauses the bearings to be partially submerged, giving better lubricationbenefits. The bearings also run cooler because of the oil being passedthrough the bearing, instead of being submerged into the main sump. Anadded benefit of retaining oil is during cold start conditions. In othermanufacturers' designs, the bearings are oiled by splash. With coldthick oil, there is insufficient lubrication until the oil warms up.When oil is contained in the spline cavity, the bearings havelubrication upon start up, no matter what temperature or thickness ofoil used. With the oil ports being cast into the housing, under normaloperation, they will act as oil fill and oil level holes. This isopposed to other designs where oil ports are cast into the adaptergroups. Traditionally these have four cast holes approximately 90degrees apart. That design allows oil to flow in but would also drainout just as quickly, thus again, relying on a splash lubrication forboth the bearing and the spline. Adapter groups with two ports casttherein would allow for proper oil flow and oil level. However, theattachment orientation of these adapters would be critical for properoil retention. Having the two ports cast into the housing eliminates theneed for the critical orientation of these adapter groups. A thirddesign is to cast only two ports to allow for fill and level. Thisprovides similar characteristics to the modular split housing design ofthe present invention. However, open ball bearings or taper rollerbearings are used. Both of these bearings provide little to no oilretention, and actually the taper roller bearings tend to pump the oilout.

In the modular design according to the present invention, there is easeof assembly and serviceability. The modular design is built from twohousing halves containing both the gears and bearings. This is differentfrom current designs in that currently the adapters (pump pads or engineadapters) contain the bearings. This is used because in a mono-body(uni-body) housing, the gears must either be installed through the pumppad holes, or through the engine adapter hole and slid over to theproper location. The shafts are then pressed onto the gears. Finally,the covers, containing the bearings are installed. This is a very timeconsuming process and causes lots of difficulty in the field forrepairs. Most of the time, the gear boxes must be completelydisassembled from the machine and either sent to a repair site that hasthe proper equipment, or sent back to the manufacturer of the gear box.A modular split-housing design eliminates all of these problems. Amodular split housing according to the present invention uses solid onshaft (SOS) gears in which both bearings are pressed onto the shaft. Inthe event the customer would require less oil in the spline area, anonshielded bearing could be used. The housing halves contain thebearings so that when the gearbox is bolted together, all internalrotating parts are contained therein. Repairs are also simplified with amodular split housing. If any one of the gears or bearings were to fail,the modular split housing would be able to stay attached to the engineor motor, while the second half including the pumps, would be removed.Because the pump pads do not contain the bearings, the pump would nothave to be removed when disassembling. Once taken apart, thegears/bearings will slide out by hand and can be fixed or easilyreplaced. Again, because the modular split housing is fully contained,the end user can purchase individual adapter groups to replace or modifythe original configuration. All adapters (input and output) can be addedwithout having to disturb the box or any internal workings.

The modular-split housing uses the same gears and bearings throughoutseveral models, because the configuration of the housings is the same.This is beneficial in two ways. For the manufacturer, fewer gears needto be produced. For the consumer, parts availability is improved,whether for service or for new pump drive orders. This will save muchmisunderstanding on the part of both the consumer and the manufacturer,which will speed up the process of sending repair parts. All the gearsthroughout the product line use the same large internal spline. With alarge internal spline and with oil lubrication, fretting corrosion istheoretically eliminated. The larger splines create a common geometry inthe gears, resulting in fewer parts. The benefit to the end userincludes, the variety of pump spline adapters available which offersflexibility when changing pumps and the larger gear spline bore hasincreased rating which if and when spline wear occurs, due to excessiveHP draw, the smaller pump spline will wear before the gear spline. Whenthis happens, the bushing can be easily replaced without replacing thegear.

When producing a mono-body housing, many times residue is left incorners and covered by paint. This has been reported to come looseduring operation causing bearing and/or gear failure. Because mono-bodyhousings are so large one casting must cover all sides. This causes apotential for air pockets, and voids while pouring the casting. When acasting has voids, it reduces the integrity tremendously and also offersa place for oil to leak. With a modular split-housing according to thepresent invention and the resultant two housing halves, a consistentpour is more repeatable, and cleaning and inspection is much easier.

Some of the features and benefits derived from the subject invention areas follows:

1. The modular design means that the base unit can be built without theneed for input and/output adapter groups. Also, the bearings and gearsare self-contained within the housings. Furthermore, input and outputadapters can be added at anytime prior to the installation of the unit.2. The solid-on-shaft gears provide consistent and uniform alignment.Also, such gears simplify assembly once the bearings are pressed on thegear shaft. Additionally, such gears reduce the total number of parts.3. The arrangement simplifies service and does not require pressing theshafts through the housings into bearings and gears. Also, the presentarrangement does not require shimming or special adjustment of the pumppads and input adapters.4. There are fewer parts and the adapter groups are reduced to a singleset of input housings and output pads for the entire product line. Thetotal of 31 gears are interchangeable across different models.5. The wet spline includes oil passages that are built into the housingsalong with the bearing design to create a constant oil bath for thebearings and splines, resulting in longer, trouble-free operation.6. The drop-in replacement arrangement enables interchangeability withpresent pump drive lines and with other types of pump drive lines.7. The higher rating means an increased horsepower rating over thepresent product line and competition.8. The arrangement according to the present invention provides anapparatus which also runs quieter, is less costly and which reduces leadtime.

Additionally, according to the present invention, during testing of theaforementioned wet spline feature, Applicant observed that oil whilebeing delivered to the pump adapters, was not getting to the splines insome configurations and ratios. The oil was circulating around theinside diameter of the pump adapter, and then on through the bearings.In order to redirect flow, Applicant modified the inside diameter of thepump flange by adding “pockets”. Various pocket configurations weretested which enabled the determination of the best and final design. Theaddition of “pockets” to the inside of the pump adapters, interrupts theflow of oil around the inside thereof, allowing oil to collect in thepockets, until the oil starts dripping on to the pump spline. Theaforementioned feature permits running the spline at lower oil levelsand consequently lower oil quantities, which minimizes heat generation,but still gets oil to the splines. Therefore, the pump pads according tothe present invention incorporate the aforementioned pocket feature. Allpump pads now have this feature.

Therefore, the pump drive according to the present invention with thecast-in “pockets” is a key feature, which includes the provision of awet spline along with cast-in oil ports and shielded bearings.

More specifically, during Applicant's tests on the wet splinearrangement claimed in co-pending application, U.S. Ser. No. 10/601,829,Applicant discovered that lubrication of the spline was enhanced byadding four cast in pockets to each of the pump adapters. Such cast inpockets have been tested and greatly improve the oil flow to the splineareas. Moreover, oil circulates around the inside diameter of the pumpadapter during operation. This cast-in pocket catches the oil and causesthe oil to cascade down onto the shaft splines.

The aforementioned additional feature of the present invention greatlyimproves the lubricating capability of the spline thereby increasing thelife of such lubricated spline.

Therefore, it is a primary feature of the present invention to provide aspline lubrication apparatus for lubricating a spline of a pump drivethat overcomes the problems associated with fretting corrosion orexcessive wear.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a splinelubrication apparatus for lubricating a spline of a pump drive gearboxthat is easy to disassemble.

A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a splinelubrication apparatus for lubricating a spline of a pump drive gearboxthat reduces the cost of manufacture.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detaileddescription of a preferred embodiment of the present invention containedherein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a spline lubrication apparatus forlubricating a spline of a pump drive. The apparatus includes a housingand a rotatable spline which is disposed within the housing. The splineincludes a shaft which has a first and a second end and an externalsurface extending between the first and second ends. The externalsurface defines a plurality of longitudinally extending splines. A gearis rotatably supported within the housing, the gear including aninternally splined bore for the rotatable reception therein of therotatable spline. The arrangement is such that the rotatable splineextends through the bore with the plurality of splines being drivinglyconnected with the internally splined bore. A bearing has a first and asecond extremity, the bearing being disposed between the gear and thehousing for bearingly supporting the gear for rotation within thehousing. A shield is disposed adjacent to one of the extremities of thebearing for diverting a portion of a flow of lubricant flowing throughthe bearing so that the portion of the flow of lubricant flows throughthe bore between the plurality of splines and the drivingly connectedinternally splined bore for inhibiting fretting corrosion of the splinesand splined bore. An adapter is secured to the housing, the adapterdefining a cavity for the rotatable reception therein of the splines andsplined bore. A plurality of pockets are in fluid communication with thecavity such that in use of the apparatus, when the splines and splinedbore are rotating within the cavity and the flow of lubricant is fed tothe cavity for lubricating the splines and splined bore, the flow of thelubricant within the cavity around the splines and splined bore isinterrupted by the pockets. The arrangement is such that the flow oflubricant collects within the pockets and cascades onto the splines andsplined bore for enhancing the lubrication thereof.

In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the plurality ofpockets includes a first, second, third and fourth pocket, the first tofourth pockets being disposed radially relative to the splines andsplined bore.

Moreover, the first to fourth pockets are of equal volume relative toeach other and are of equal shape relative to each other.

Also, the first to fourth pockets are spaced equidistantly around thesplines and splined bore, each of the pockets being disposed at a sameradial distance from an axis of rotation of the splines and splinedbore.

Furthermore, the cavity is of cylindrical configuration, the cavityhaving an inner and an outer end, the first to fourth pockets beingdisposed adjacent to the inner end of the cavity.

Additionally, the adapter has a first and a second end, the adapterdefining a plurality of bores, with each bore extending from the firstto the second end of the adapter. A fastener extends through acorresponding bore of the plurality of bores of the adapter forfastening the adapter to the housing.

More particularly, each bore of the plurality of bores is equally spacedfrom an adjacent bore so that regardless of the rotational orientationof the adapter relative to the housing, the pockets are orientedrelative to the splines and splined bore such that the flow of lubricantcascades from at least one of the pockets onto the splines and splinedbore.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of thedetailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. However, such modifications and variations fall within thespirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a spline lubrication apparatus forlubricating a spline of a pump drive gearbox;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view similar to that shown in FIG. 1 but partiallycut away;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 3 but showing anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the insert adapter shown inFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view which is similar to that shown in FIG. 4 but showsanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 6 but shows yet anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the shield shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7;

FIG. 9 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 8 but viewed from theopposite side;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a spline lubrication apparatus accordingto a further embodiment of the present invention incorporating four castin pockets;

FIG. 11 is a cut away perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG.10;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the gear shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the adapter shown inFIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view taken on the line 14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the adapter shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken on the line 16-16 of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the assembled apparatus shown in FIG.10.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout thevarious views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a spline lubrication apparatusgenerally designated 10 for lubricating a spline generally designated 12of a pump drive generally designated 14. As shown in FIG. 1, theapparatus 10 includes a gearbox housing generally designated 16 and therotatable spline 12 for insertion into the housing 16. The spline 12includes a shaft 18 having a first and a second end 20 and 22respectively and an external surface 24 extending between the first andsecond ends 20 and 22 respectively of the spline 12, the externalsurface 24 defining a plurality of longitudinally extending splines 26,27 and 28.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view similar to that shown in FIG. 1 but partiallycut away. As shown in FIG. 2, a gear generally designated 30 isrotatably supported by the housing 16, the gear 30 defining aninternally splined bore 32 for the rotatable reception therein of therotatable spline 12 shown in FIG. 1. The arrangement is such that therotatable spline 12 extends through the bore 32 with the plurality ofsplines 26-28 being drivingly connected with the internally splined bore32. A bearing generally designated 34 has a first and a second extremity36 and 38 respectively, the bearing 34 being disposed between the gear30 and the housing 16 for bearingly supporting the gear 30 for rotationthereof within the housing 16.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 3, a shield generally designated 40 is disposed adjacent to one ofthe extremities 36 of the bearing 34 for diverting a portion asindicated by the arrow 42 of a flow of lubricant as indicated by thearrow 44 flowing through the bearing 34 so that the portion 42 of theflow of lubricant 44 flows through the bore 32 between the plurality ofsplines 26-28 and the drivingly connected internally splined bore 32 forinhibiting fretting corrosion of the splines 26-28 and the splined bore32.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 16 includes a first part 46 and a secondpart 48 removable cooperating with the first part 44 such that the firstand second parts 46 and 48 respectively together define an enclosure 50for the disposition therein of the gear 30, bearing 34 and shield 40.

Also, as shown in FIG. 1 by the arrow 51, the spline 12 is removableassembled within the internally splined bore 32.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the gear 30 includes a rotatable sleeve52 which defines an annular collar 54 which cooperates with the bearing34. More specifically, the sleeve 52 defines the internally splined bore32.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 3 but shows anotherembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, a sleeve 52 adefines a further internally splined bore 56.

Additionally, an insert adapter 58 of cylindrical configuration isprovided, the insert 58 having a cylindrical surface 60.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the insert adapter 58 shown inFIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the surface 60 of the insert 58 definesexternally extending splines 62, 63 and 64 respectively which cooperatewith the further internally splined bore 56 of the sleeve 52 a as shownin FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the insert 58 defines an internallysplined bore 32 a which cooperates with a plurality of splines 26 a, 27a and 28 a of a rotatable spline 12 a as shown in FIG. 4.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, the bearing 34 includes an inner ring 66and an outer ring 68 which is disposed concentrically relative to theinner ring 66. A bearing race generally designated 70 is disposedbetween the rings 66 and 68 respectively.

Throughout the disclosure, the term inner ring is to be understood asmeaning an inner race. The term outer ring is to be understood asmeaning an outer race. Also the term bearing race is to be understood asmeaning a plurality of ball bearings or tapered bearings.

In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, thebearing race 70 includes a plurality of ball bearings 72 and 73.

FIG. 6 is a view which is similar to that shown in FIG. 4 but showsanother embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, thebearing race 70 c includes a plurality of tapered bearings 76 and 77respectively.

Furthermore, the gear 30 and the bearing 34 are self-contained withinthe housing 16 as shown in FIG. 2.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the shield 40 is disposed within theflow of lubricant 44 and downstream relative to the bearing 34.

FIG. 7 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 6 but shows yet anotherembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, a shield 40 dis disposed within the flow of lubricant 44 and upstream relative to thebearing 34.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the shield 40 shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6.As shown in FIG. 8, the shield 40 is of annular configuration. Moreparticularly, the shield 40 shields the inner ring 66, the outer ring 68and the bearing race 70 so that the portion 42 of the flow of lubricant44 is diverted through the bore 32 between the plurality of splines26-28 and the drivingly connected internally splined bore 32 forinhibiting fretting corrosion of the splines 26-28 and splined bore 32.

Also, the shield 40 has an inner and an outer rim 80 and 82respectively. The outer rim 82 defines a ring 84 which is divided intoequidistantly spaced segments 86, 87 and 88 respectively such that thering 84 permits anchoring of the shield 40 relative to the bearing 34.

FIG. 9 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 8 but viewed from theopposite side. As shown in FIG. 9, the shield 40 has the inner and outerrims 80 and 82 respectively.

In operation of the apparatus according to the present invention, theadapter insert 58 to match the spline 12 is inserted into the bore 32 sothat the spline 12 for driving a pump (not shown) may be inserted intothe insert 58 or into the bore 32 if no insert 58 is required. When thespline and pump are assembled, a drive generally designated 90 as shownin FIG. 1 drives the gear 30 which in turn rotates the spline 12.

When a pump with a different diameter spline is to be driven, it is onlynecessary for the second part 48 of the housing 16 as shown in FIG. 2 tobe unbolted from the first part 46 of the housing. Subsequently, amatching adapter insert 58 can then be inserted within the bore 32.

Also, in the unlikely event of the need to replace a bearing, 34 thesecond part 48 is removed integrally with the attached pump so that oneor more of the bearings 34 and/or the gear 30 can be slid out from thefirst part 46 of the housing 16 without any need for special equipmentor any complex removal and replacement technique.

Additionally, according to the present invention, during testing of theaforementioned wet spline feature, Applicant observed that oil, whilebeing delivered to the pump adapters, was not getting to the splines insome configurations and ratios. The oil was circulating around theinside diameter of the pump adapter and then on through the bearings. Inorder to redirect flow, Applicant modified the inside diameter of thepump flange by adding “pockets”. Various pocket configurations weretested which enabled the determination of the best and final design. Theaddition of “pockets” to the inside of the pump adapters, interrupts theflow of oil around the inside thereof, allowing oil to collect in thepockets, until the oil starts dripping on to the pump spline. Theaforementioned feature permits running the spline at lower oil levelsand consequently lower oil quantities, which minimizes heat generation,but still gets oil to the splines. Therefore, the pump pads according tothe present invention incorporate the aforementioned pocket feature.

Therefore, the pump drive according to the present invention with thecast-in “pockets” is a key feature, which includes the provision of awet spline along with cast-in oil ports and shielded bearings.

More specifically, during Applicant's tests on the wet splinearrangement claimed in co-pending application, U.S. Ser. No. 10/601,829,Applicant discovered that lubrication of the spline was enhanced byadding four cast in pockets to each of the pump adapters. Such cast inpockets have been tested and greatly improve the oil flow to the splineareas. Moreover, oil circulates around the inside diameter of the pumpadapter during operation. This cast-in pocket catches the oil and causesthe oil to cascade down onto the shaft splines.

The aforementioned additional feature of the present invention greatlyimproves the lubricating capability of the spline thereby increasing thelife of such lubricated spline.

More specifically, FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a spline lubricationapparatus 10 e according to a further embodiment of the presentinvention incorporating four cast in pockets. As shown in FIG. 10, thespline lubrication apparatus 10 e is provided for lubricating a spline12 e of a pump drive 14 e. The apparatus 10 e includes a housing 16 eand a rotatable spline 12 e which is disposed within the housing 16 e.The spline 12 e includes a shaft 18 e which has a first and a second end20 e and 22 e an external surface 24 e extending between the first andsecond ends 20 e and 22 e. The external surface 24 e defines a pluralityof longitudinally extending splines 26 e, 27 e and 28 e.

FIG. 11 is a cut away perspective view of the apparatus 10 e shown inFIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 11, a gear 30 e is rotatably supported withinthe housing 16 e, the gear 30 e including an internally splined bore 32e for the rotatable reception therein of the rotatable spline 12 e shownin FIG. 10. The arrangement is such that the rotatable spline 12 eextends through the bore 32 e with the plurality of splines 26-28 edrivingly connected to the internally splined bore 32 e. A bearing 34 ehas a first and a second extremity 36 e and 38 e, the bearing 34 e beingdisposed between the gear 30 e and the housing 16 e for bearinglysupporting the gear 30 e for rotation within the housing 16 e.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the gear 30 e. As shown in FIG. 12, ashield 40 e is disposed adjacent to one of the extremities 36 e of thebearing 34 e for diverting a portion 42 e of a flow of lubricant 44 eflowing through the bearing 34 e so that the portion 42 e of the flow oflubricant 44 e flows through the bore 32 e between the plurality ofsplines 26-28 e shown in FIG. 10 and the drivingly connected internallysplined bore 32 e for inhibiting fretting corrosion of the splines 26-28e and splined bore 32 e. As shown in FIG. 10, an adapter 100 is securedto the housing 16 e.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the adapter 100. Asshown in FIG. 13, the adapter 100 defines a cavity 102 for the rotatablereception therein of the splines 26-28 e and splined bore 32 e. Aplurality of pockets 104, 105, 106 and 107 are in fluid communicationwith the cavity 102 such that in use of the apparatus 10 e, when thesplines 26-28 e and splined bore 32 e are rotating within the cavity 102and the flow of lubricant 44 e as shown in FIG. 12 is fed to the cavity102 for lubricating the splines 26-28 e and splined bore 32 e, the flow44 e of the lubricant shown in FIG. 12 within the cavity 102 around thesplines 26-28 e and splined bore 32 e is interrupted by the pockets104-107.

FIG. 14 is a view taken on the line 14-14 of FIG. 13. As shown in FIG.14, the arrangement is such that the flow 44 e of lubricant collectswithin the pockets 104-107 and cascades onto the splines 26-28 e andsplined bore 32 e for enhancing the lubrication thereof. Morespecifically, in FIG. 14, the lubricant is shown cascading from thepocket 105 onto the splined bore 32 e.

As shown in FIGS. 13-14, the plurality of pockets 104-107 includes afirst, second, third and fourth pocket 104 to 107 respectively, thefirst to fourth pockets 104-107 being disposed radially relative to thesplines 2628 e and splined bore 32 e.

Moreover, the first to fourth pockets 104-107 are of equal volumerelative to each other and are of equal shape relative to each other.

Also, as shown particularly in FIG. 14, the first to fourth pockets104-107 are spaced equidistantly around the splines 26-28 e and splinedbore 32 e, each of the pockets 104-107 being disposed at a same radialdistance D from an axis of rotation A of the splines 26-28 e and splinedbore 32 e.

Furthermore, the cavity 102 is of cylindrical configuration as shown inFIG. 13, the cavity 102 having an inner and an outer end 108 and 110respectively, the first to fourth pockets 104-107 being disposedadjacent to the inner end 108 of the cavity 102.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 13, the adapter 100 has a first and asecond end 112 and 114 respectively, the adapter 100 defining aplurality of bores 116, 117, 118 and 119, with each bore 116-119extending from the first to the second end 112 and 114 respectively ofthe adapter 100.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the adapter 100. As shown in FIG.15, a fastener 120 extends through a corresponding bore 116 of theplurality of bores 116-119 of the adapter 100 as indicated by the arrow121 for fastening the adapter 100 to the housing 16 e.

More particularly, each bore 116-119 of the plurality of bores 116-119is equally spaced from an adjacent bore and equally spaced from the axisA shown in FIG. 14, so that regardless of the 90 degree incrementallyrotated orientation of the adapter 100 relative to the housing 16 e, thepockets 104-107 are oriented relative to the splines 26-28 e and splinedbore 32 e such that the flow of lubricant 44 e cascades from at leastone of the pockets 104-107 onto the splines 26-28 e and splined bore 32e.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken on the line 16-16 of FIG. 11. As shownin FIG. 16, the adapter 100 is fastened to the housing 16 e and two ofthe pockets 104 and 107 are shown.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the assembled apparatus shown in FIG.10. As shown in FIG. 17, the adapter 100 is secured to the housing andthe relationship and relative disposition of the pockets 104 and 107 tothe splined shaft 12 e is shown.

In operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-16, the lubricant ispumped to the cavity 102 and as the splines 26-28 e and splined bore 32e rotate, the lubricant flows as indicated by the arrow 44 e as shown inFIG. 14. In the absence of the pockets 104-17, there would be a tendencyfor the lubricant to rim around the internal surface of the cavity 102.However, by the provision of the pockets 104-107, the pockets 104-107tend to interrupt such flow 44 e of the lubricant such that thelubricant cascades or drops or falls as indicated by the dropletscascading from the pocket 105 to the splined bore 32 e as shown in FIG.14. Such cascading of the lubricant greatly assists in the lubricationof the splines 26-28 e and the internally splined bore 32 e.

The present invention provides a unique arrangement for preventingexcessive wear and fretting corrosion of splines particularly in pumpdrives.

What is claimed is:
 1. A spline lubrication apparatus for lubricating aspline of a pump drive, said apparatus comprising: a housing; a shafthaving a first and a second end and an external surface extendingbetween said first and second ends, said external surface defining aplurality of longitudinally extending splines such that said shaftdefines a rotatable spline disposed within said housing; a gearrotatably supported within said housing, said gear including aninternally splined bore for the rotatable reception therein of saidrotatable spline such that said rotatable spline extends through saidbore with said plurality of splines intermeshing with said internallysplined bore; a bearing having a first and a second extremity, saidbearing being disposed between said gear and said housing for bearinglysupporting said gear for rotation within said housing; a shield disposedadjacent to one of said extremities of said bearing for diverting aportion of a flow of lubricant flowing through said bearing so that saidportion of said flow of lubricant flows through said bore between saidplurality of splines and said drivingly connected internally splinedbore for inhibiting fretting corrosion of said splines and splined bore;said gear including: a rotatable sleeve which defines an annular collarwhich cooperates with said bearing; said sleeve defining a furtherinternally splined bore; an insert of cylindrical configuration, saidinsert having a cylindrical surface which defines externally extendingsplines which cooperate with said internally splined bore of saidsleeve, said insert defining said internally splined bore whichcooperates with said plurality of splines of said rotatable spline; anadapter secured to said housing; said adapter defining a cavity for therotatable reception therein of said splines and splined bore; and aplurality of pockets in fluid communication with said cavity such thatin use of said apparatus, when said splines and splined bore arerotating within said cavity and said flow of lubricant is fed to saidcavity for lubricating said splines and splined bore, said flow of saidlubricant within said cavity around said splines and splined bore isinterrupted by said pockets so that said flow of lubricant collectswithin said pockets and cascades onto said splines and splined bore forenhancing the lubrication thereof.
 2. A spline lubrication apparatus asset forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of pockets includes: afirst, second, third and fourth pocket, said first to fourth pocketsbeing disposed radially relative to said splines and splined bore.
 3. Aspline lubrication apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said firstto fourth pockets are of equal volume relative to each other.
 4. Aspline lubrication apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said firstto fourth pockets are of equal shape relative to each other.
 5. A splinelubrication apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first tofourth pockets are spaced equidistantly around said splines and splinedbore, each of said pockets being disposed at a same radial distance froman axis of rotation of said splines and splined bore.
 6. A splinelubrication apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said cavity is ofcylindrical configuration, said cavity having an inner and an outer end;said first to fourth pockets being disposed adjacent to said inner endof said cavity.
 7. A spline lubrication apparatus as set forth in claim6 wherein said adapter has a first and a second end, said adapterdefining a plurality of bores, each bore extending from said first tosaid second end of said adapter, a fastener extending through acorresponding bore of said plurality of bores of said adapter forfastening said adapter to said housing; each bore of said plurality ofbores being equally spaced from an adjacent bore so that regardless ofthe rotational orientation of said adapter relative to said housing,said pockets are oriented relative to said splines and splined bore suchthat said flow of lubricant cascades from at least one of said pocketsonto said splines and splined bore.
 8. A spline lubrication apparatus asset forth in claim 1 wherein said housing includes: a first part; asecond part removably cooperating with said first part such that saidfirst and second parts together define an enclosure for the dispositiontherein of said spline, gear, bearing and shield.
 9. A splinelubrication apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spline isremovably assembled within said internally splined bore.
 10. A splinelubrication apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said gearincludes: a rotatable sleeve which defines an annular collar whichcooperates with said bearing.
 11. A spline lubrication apparatus as setforth in claim 10 wherein said sleeve defines said internally splinedbore.
 12. A spline lubrication apparatus as set forth in claim 10wherein said sleeve defines a further internally splined bore; an insertof cylindrical configuration, said insert having a cylindrical surfacewhich defines externally extending splines which cooperate with saidfurther internally splined bore of said sleeve, said insert definingsaid internally splined bore which cooperates with said plurality ofsplines of said rotatable spline.
 13. A spline lubrication apparatus asset forth in claim 1 wherein said bearing includes: an inner ring; anouter ring disposed concentrically relative to said inner ring; abearing race disposed between said rings.
 14. A spline lubricationapparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein said bearing race includes: aplurality of ball bearings.
 15. A spline lubrication apparatus as setforth in claim 13 wherein said bearing race includes: a plurality oftapered bearings.
 16. A spline lubrication apparatus as set forth inclaim 13 wherein said shield is of annular configuration, said shieldshielding said inner ring, said outer ring and said bearing race so thatsaid portion of said flow of lubricant is diverted through said borebetween said plurality of splines and said internally splined bore forinhibiting fretting corrosion of said splines and splined bore.
 17. Aspline lubrication apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said gearand said bearing are self-contained within said housing.
 18. A splinelubrication apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said shield isdisposed within said flow of lubricant and downstream relative to saidbearing.
 19. A spline lubrication apparatus as set forth in claim 1wherein said shield is disposed within said flow of lubricant andupstream relative to said bearing.
 20. A spline lubrication apparatus asset forth in claim 1 wherein said shield is of annular configuration.21. A spline lubrication apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidshield is of annular configuration having an inner and an outer rim;said outer rim defining a ring which is divided into equidistantlyspaced segments such that said ring permits anchoring of said shieldrelative to said bearing.